Hatta pools: Jeep wrangler
Where: Off the beaten track at Hatta Pools, starring the Jeep Wrangler
Why: The UAE has enough off-roading tracks for the 4x4 enthusiast which makes it difficult to pick one, but this trail near Hatta Pools is one we would recommend. Drive through rocky corridors and climb rocky outcrops. The place referred to as Hatta Pools is more of a puddle right now, but don't let that bother you; there are quite a few wadi trails to explore around the area.
Once you get there: You could either dive into what little water's left or just trek around the little trails. If that's not your scene, then stroll around the picturesque Hatta village.
How to get there: Follow directions to Hatta, drive past the Big Red and once you hit the Hatta Fort Hotel Roundabout, turn right and drive on till you pass Hatta Heritage Village before spotting the offroad trail. The signboards are not exactly helpful. So if you get lost, just stop and ask for directions.
Distance: About 120km (from Dubai)
The ride: The Jeep Wrangler is great at climbing rocky outcrops and burning gravel tracks. The 3.8-litre, V6 engine on this heavy 4x4 makes it a slow starter on tarmac, but the Wrangler's high clearance and tough outlook makes it a worthy contender on the UAE's off-road trails.
Fujairah-Dibba: Porsche 911
Where: Fujairah through to Dibba, starring the Porsche 911
Why: It has it all, from tunnels through to winding mountain declines, long beachside straights past the forts, fishing communities and goat herders of the Hajar mountains. After you've had enough of disturbing the peace, you can park up and snorkel off Snoopy Island as the waves of the Indian Ocean lap at your alloys.
Once you get there: You can't help but find fresh fruit stalls offering you all manner of treats that you can neither find an English translation for, nor pronounce. You can try and haggle with the sellers for better value but, if you pull up in a Porsche, don't expect big bargains. And try not to get watermelon pips on the upholstery.
How to get there: Head in the general direction of Ras Al Khaimah, then turn right following signs for Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort. You should get to the Dibba side of the drive in a jiffy. Alternatively, you can take the Sharjah-Kalba road through the Gilay tunnel to start your east coast adventure from the south end. Take your passport, because Oman doesn't take getting lost as an excuse for illegal entry.
Distance: About 150km (from Dubai)
The ride: The Porsche 911 Carrera S was made for such a journey. Close-to-the-ground, brittle and bumpy sports suspension makes you feel like you're part of the ride as you glide effortlessly up hills and between lanes, sticking to the road like Scaletrix. Testing out its max speed of 300km/h is not advisable, as there are mobile cameras and speed bumps, but lowering the roof as you roar through the tunnel, to listen to the sound of this beautifully tuned 345hp engine is not a crime we're aware of.
Jebel Hafeet: Golf GTI
Where: Jebel Hafeet, starring the Golf GTI
Why: The 11.7km road that climbs the Jebel Hafeet mountain on the outskirts of Al Ain was hailed as the greatest driving road in the world by car website Edmunds.com. The road to Al Ain can be dreary and sometimes dangerous thanks to some reckless tailgating and it could be a while before you get a glimpse of Jebel Hafeet, but the climb makes it worth it. With 21 corners, some really tight hairpin bends, this road will test your driving skills but is exhilarating nevertheless. The view from the top is stunning and is alone worth the drive. There are lay-bys on the way that offer plenty of photo-ops.
Once you get there: The Mercure Grand Hotel is the only one on the mountain, though there are smaller cafeterias around. On the way, you could also stop by and explore the sights and sounds of Al Ain.
How to get there: From Trade Centre Roundabout, take the exit to Deira/Maktoum Bridge and then take the Al Ain/Hatta exit. Once you get to Al Ain, follow directions on the signposts.
Distance: About 120km (from Dubai)
The ride: The VeeDub hot hatch with its 2-litre turbo-charged 210hp engine fares outstandingly well on these winding roads. There's enough juice to propel you past cars that crawl up and the electronic differential lock XDS ensure that you don't feel a thing during fast cornering.
Kalba-Sharjah: Mercedes slk200
Where: The Kalba-Sharjah route, starring the Mercedes SLK200
Why: This one's got a bit of everything - starting from the National Paints Roundabout in Sharjah and ending on the east coast in Kalba near the Oman border. So initially, you drive past dunes before climbing craggy mountains as you approach Kalba. The highlight is the 1.2km-long Gilay dual-carriageway tunnel through the mountain before the steep descent to Kalba begins. It's a good idea to fuel up before you take this route though.
Once you get there: Kalba is a sleepy little fishing village close to the Oman border. Check out the mangroves and idyllic waterfronts in a place where everything seems to move in slow motion. You could either take the same route back to Dubai or drive back through Fujairah town.
How to get there: From Dubai instead of taking Emirates Road over National Paints Roundabout, go under and turn right from the roundabout and head straight.
Distance: About 130km (from Dubai)
The ride: Cruising in the top-down SLK 200 with the wind in your face on an open road is an experience. Though a bit underpowered - the entry-level stylish SLK runs a 1.8-litre, 180hp supercharged engine, the car handles really well. The retractable roof takes about 22 seconds to disappear; this car is best enjoyed without the roof. The cabin is snug and the controls well-placed but the SLK 200 is woefully short on storage space - there's not even a cup-holderin place.
Hatta: Volvo C70
Where: Dubai to Hatta, starring the Volvo C70
Why Really good highway, scenic landscapes past the industrial areas with rolling orange dunes, picture postcard view of the craggy Hajar mountains, wadis and the odd farm or two, plus it's a relatively short drive, so ideal for a quick escape out of town.
Once you get there: Stop at the Arabian Pottery shop that lines the highway, browse the workshop and leave with a dramatic urn for a fraction of what you'd have paid in Dubai, eat lunch at the Hatta Fort Hotel.
How to get there: Follow the signpost from the main traffic lights at the Dubai Bowling Centre in Al Quoz.
Distance: About 120km (from Dubai)
The Ride: The sleek C70 may look like it's a city slicker, more suited to hanging about posh hotel foyers or for quick shopping trips to the Dubai Mall, but don't let that fool you. It held its own on this out-of-town trip, with a smooth yet muscled drive, nimble responsiveness and excellent pick-up and a surprisingly roomy interior. When the weather's cool, you can have the top down and the wind in your hair in about five seconds flat. A big plus is the roomy boot, which swallowed our Hatta souvenir - a near three-foot pottery urn - with all the ease of a whale devouring a tiny minnow.
